Overview & Reviews
For 2004, the 9-3 convertible has been given the same full makeover the sedan received last year. The convertible is available in Arc and Aero models and equipped only with the 210-horsepower engine. The highline Vector sedan has been renamed the Aero, and the midlevel Arc sedan now comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission, rather than a six-speed. Bi-xenon headlights are a stand-alone extra on all 9-3s, while rear parking assist is now available as a non-package option on the sedan. The Sport Wheel Package for the Linear and Arc now includes a tire-pressure monitor.
- Balanced ride and handling characteristics, frugal yet powerful engines, generous passenger room, class-leading trunk space.
- Some turbo lag at lower speeds, interior lacks upscale look, not as vaultlike as some of its European competitors, front-wheel drive a disadvantage against rear-wheel-drive competitors for performance fans.
User Reviews:
Showing 41 through 50 of 223.00-
Fun Ride! - 2004 Saab 9-3
By yankercranker - March 2 - 9:30 amI have been very impressed with this vehicle. It has great looks with the top up or down. Not too windy/noisy inside with the top down and when it is up you would not know you were in a convertible. Inside lighting at night is compromised due to no ceiling lights. Back seat is only reasonable for kids but not "real size adults. Front seats provide nice leg room (I am 62"). Saabs attention to detail is impectably obvious in the instrumentation. They do need to develop a better wood trim option and DROP the metalic one-must be the GM influence. Bottom line this a great looking/performing vehicle while still maintaining the great ergonomics Saab is known for!
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Unreliable!! Unsatisfied owner - 2004 Saab 9-3
By Saab Owner - February 12 - 5:20 amIve had my car a little over two years and now Ive started to have problems. List of the problems Ive encountered: computer chip in key not working - go to open car and wont unlock - had to get new keys programmed twice, tail lights went out - dealer stated it was due to the lights running all the time, left work one day and car wouldnt start - needed a new battery - dealership claimed it was due to the HOT weather, had to replace all four tires due to tread running thin before 2 yrs. If you have the a/c on high and need to accelerate to get on freeway car has no power... very sluggish. This wknd engine light came on... will take in Monday. Looking to trade it before warranty expires at 50k :(
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Excellent car!! - 2004 Saab 9-3
By saabster - February 2 - 2:00 amThis is a wonderful car to drive and own. I have 17k miles and only been to the dealer for regular services (no repairs!!) This is my second Saab Ive owned and I havent been dissapointed yet with them.
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Great car but - 2004 Saab 9-3
By dan r - January 16 - 2:00 amJust purchased my saab (linear) Ext is very nice but the int really looks cheap if you dont upgrade the sound systems which really stinks. My kids small hand radio sounds better. You will need to keep the window shut in order to hear it. It does rides nice....
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Super Fun, but a little rattly. - 2004 Saab 9-3
By COGuy - December 10 - 10:00 amIve put about 1700 miles on my new 9-3 in two months. Very responsive, fast, corners great. Very slight turbo lag, but 5-speed overcomes this. Back seats are a little small, especially for a baby seat (passenger seat has to be fairly far forward). During the 30-day checkup, I had them check out a "clank" noise from the front axle, but they could not duplicate the noise. Seems to happen whenever I back out of the driveway in the morning. Ive also recently discovered strange rattling/buzzing noises coming from inside the door panels when going over 20 mph.
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Happy camper in Wisconsin - 2004 Saab 9-3
By sdettmann - November 25 - 4:43 amPurchased used (off lease) late in 2008 when Saab looked like it might not survive. Great buy. Car had been very well cared for, and dealer was able to provide a complete service record. Car is solidly built and remarkably quiet with the top up. While no sports car, it is quite peppy and fun to drive. Some turbo lag, so it is important to keep the RPMs up around 3000 if you want to go fast. Comfortable interior in the front. I am 62" and have plenty of room above my head, even with the seat elevated to its highest position. You can put adults in the back seat, if they have no feet or legs (good for children in car seats though.) Have driven the car 30,000 in two years, with no problem
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One of the better cars for the money - 2004 Saab 9-3
By bnkharris - November 4 - 10:00 amI traded a 2000 Volvo S40 for this Saab. My first choice was the all new S40, but noticed a little more turbo lag than Id have liked, and they are not yet available with manual shift. For the price difference with options the 9-3 is a no brainer coupled with the deals and incentives offered. Its got to be one of the best values out there for this price segment. Nice looking, fun to drive car with lots of safety features.
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Not like all the others - 2004 Saab 9-3
By jag2 - October 29 - 10:00 amI was in the market for a "near luxury" sedan to replace my 98 Audi A4. Since the new Audi A4 3.0 is close to, and can exceed $40k, I looked elsewhere. My parents had a Saab in the early 80s and I always liked its uniqueness. The 9-3 Aero definitely has Saab uniqueness. It is surprisingly quick for a 4 cylinder, and the turbo lag is quite minimal. I particularly like the styling and I am glad Saab did away with the hatchback. The interior is very comfortable and the car handles very well. The suspension is stiff, so if you want a softer ride get the Arc.
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The Best Kept European Secret - 2004 Saab 9-3
By William Moore - September 27 - 2:00 amThe 9-3 is fun to drive,safe, envirometally resopsible.The 9-3 is tastefull in design, subtle without being over-the-top.The interior is clean and functional.A great value...just a great car!
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Slow and quirky - 2004 Saab 9-3
By dumpdit - September 11 - 10:00 amI know, I got the Linear and performance could be better, but the biggest downsides of this car are the random layout of the interior controls and the soggy performance and handling. You have to punch, turn turn punch to go AM to FM and the sound is the worst stereo in recent automotive history. The base engine has bad turbo lag and more torque steer than you would like. Better give it some consideration before jumping out in traffic.
